Reconnections by Independent Age is currently available in Guildford and Waverley (Surrey)
Who is Reconnections for?
Reconnections is for those aged 65 and over who are feeling lonely and would like to connect with new people, activities or interests. Currently the service is not open to those living in a residential care home or who have dementia.
How do I refer myself or someone I know to Reconnections?
You can contact Reconnections directly or someone else can do so on your behalf. To get involved you just need to give us a call on 01483 65 44 22 or fill out our simple online form. Someone from the team will then talk to you to check the service is suitable for you and have a conversation about what you might like to do with the support of our team.
We welcome referrals from GPs and other health and care professionals, voluntary organisations and the general public. Please check with the person before making a referral on their behalf.
What happens when I contact Reconnections?
We will have a brief telephone call and ask you a few questions to check if the service is right for you. Following this, one of our caseworkers will arrange a time to have a longer conversation (usually in person at your home or somewhere quiet nearby) to get to know you better and hear what’s important to you. From here we discuss what good would look like to you, how we can help you reconnect, regain confidence, make friends or rediscover hobbies you enjoy. It's just a starting point and this is something you can adapt over time.
What will I do with Reconnections?
It’s not always fun or easy to go it alone so Reconnections works with local partners to bring together a network of people who want to support each other. From a meal out to ten-pin bowling; playing scrabble to forming a new band; watching a film or a walk with the dog - we all enjoy something different and our Reconnections team will help match people to what will be fun for them and help them feel better connected.
It can be hard to find that motivation or confidence, so we offer one-to-one support along the way.
On average we support people for six months but what happens during this time will differ from person to person – we know that one size does not fit all. Reconnections is a free service but if you decide to take part in local activities or use local transport then these may have a cost, which you would pay directly to them.
"I have become addicted to sketching again and really enjoyed doing some pencil drawings of objects in my home and garden. I hadn’t picked up a pencil in 25 years, but I am now loving drawing again. I have purchased a tablet so I can do digital drawings on that" - Pat
What can Reconnections help with?
We support people to improve their social connections and wellbeing. We do this by using the 5 ways to wellbeing; Get Social, Get Learning, Get Active, Get Helpful and Get Mindful. The team visit people in their own homes and can provide company to activities and events for the first time.
They also help build confidence and provide motivation. If a resident is less mobile, then home-based connections can be explored.
Independent Age has an in-house advice and information team, and we access a network of support services in our local area.
I’d love to volunteer! How do I apply?
We’d love to have you volunteer with us; just an hour a week can make a difference. Fill in our online application form, or contact us by phone or email if you’d like to apply another way or get some more information.
When you apply, you will book onto one of our interactive training sessions (offered in person or online, during the day, evenings or at weekends to fit your schedule).
We will also ask you for references and apply for a criminal record check on your behalf. Once these checks are complete, we will let you know about opportunities in your area and you can get started!
What will I do as a volunteer?
Volunteering with Reconnections is designed to be fun and flexible. Once you’ve completed the volunteer training and checks we will match you with a local resident or let you know other ways you can help.
You may provide companionship, encouragement and ideas to help people make friends and enjoy new experiences.
Typically, volunteers will meet or speak with their match once a week but it’s up to the two of you to decide what you want to do together that will support them with their goals for reconnection.
You will be supported by a Volunteer Coordinator and Caseworker plus your fellow volunteers, and we will check in with you regularly to share ideas, hear about progress and support you with any concerns you have.
